Kota Kinabalu 3 Nights 5 Days Trip Day 3: Enchanting Sunset, Fireflies, and Healing
Day 3 of our Kota Kinabalu trip began with a leisurely breakfast. We retook photos of the breakfast we missed on the first day, preparing for the day ahead. We enjoyed a refreshing morning swim at the rooftop pool of the Grandis Hotel, which also has a fitness center on the same floor for a light workout. The pool is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, with a temporary closure around 3-4 PM, so please take note. Towels can be rented at the cafe on the first floor. However, it was a bit disappointing that the ocean view might be obstructed once the hotel currently under construction is completed.
Although we could enjoy the pool without crowds due to the early hour, the floor gets very hot under the sun, so it’s best to wear shoes when moving around. After swimming, we had a simple lunch at KFC located in the shopping center. We ordered a chicken set and a hamburger, and got an unexpected bonus as the hamburger was on a buy-one-get-one-free promotion. However, the lemon iced tea and soft drink with the chicken set tasted rather bland. We packed the remaining hamburger to go.
After lunch, we went shopping at ‘λΉμΉ(Vinci)’, a famous general store in Malaysia. We originally planned just to browse, but we found a bag we liked at a very reasonable price and ended up buying two. After shopping, we headed to the pre-booked Sea Spa massage parlor. The time spent taking selfies with my mom while waiting before the tour began was also enjoyable.
The Sea Spa massage parlor, which we reached by van, was near the supermarket we visited yesterday. This place is run by a Korean owner, and the 90-minute full-body aroma massage was moderately relieving and satisfactory. I personally recommend making a reservation, and especially suggest getting a foot massage.
After the massage, we moved to Beringgis Riverside Seafood Restaurant for the sunset and firefly tour. There is a small jetty here, and we took a boat to the tour location. While waiting for the tour, we bought ice cream, and there were many cute cats around the restaurant, so we spent some time there.
We took a boat to the place where the river meets the sea to enjoy the floating sunset tour. Unfortunately, there was a lot of trash on the beach, which was a bit sad, but the enchanting sunset unfolding before our eyes was so beautiful that it made us forget all our regrets. The sky dyed red and the sky with a pink-tinged moon offered unforgettable memories.
After the tour, we returned to the restaurant and enjoyed a Korean-style buffet for dinner. The kimchi and kkakdugi were especially delicious, and we finished our meal feeling satisfied. After dinner, we departed from Kawag Firefly Tour. Photography was restricted during the firefly tour, so unfortunately, we couldn’t take any pictures, but the trees sparkling like Christmas trees and the faintly glowing fireflies were quite romantic. Although the guide mentioned it wasn’t a peak season for fireflies, we had a special experience of spotting a crocodile by the river.
Upon returning to the hotel, we enjoyed a late-night snack with beer to wrap up the day. The arrow on the hotel room ceiling indicates the direction of prayer for Islamic countries. Day 3 in Kota Kinabalu was a precious time where we experienced beautiful nature, delicious food, and healing all at once.
Related Travel Information:
- Kota Kinabalu 3 Nights 5 Days Trip Days 1-2: Grandis Hotel, Mamutik Island, Suria Sabah (+ Tips for Filling Out the Malaysia Arrival Card)
- Kota Kinabalu 3 Nights 5 Days Trip Days 4-5: Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jesselton Point, Blue Mosque, Old Sabah State Mosque, Filipino Night Market (+ Souvenir Shops)
